Kehancha: Political leaders from the Kuria region have expressed strong condemnation of the misguided attempt to throw a shoe at President Ruto during his development and meet-the-people tour in Kehancha town, Migori County. According to Kenya News Agency, the leaders termed the incident as isolated and misguided, despite its widespread attention on social media and mainstream media platforms.
During the incident, President Ruto successfully deflected the shoe missile with his hand while addressing a large crowd. The President is currently on a three-day development tour in Migori County. In a press briefing, local leaders described the occurrence as unfortunate, happening shortly after the President launched an affordable housing project in Kehancha town. The leaders, led by Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizens Joseph Motari, distanced themselves from the act and assured that such an event would not happen again.
Mr. Motari emphasized that neither the leaders nor the community had prior knowledge of the ill-advised plan to confront or humiliate the head of state. He added that local leaders, in collaboration with government agencies, would investigate the motive behind the malicious act. “We are determined to get to the bottom of this matter and identify those involved and the main motive behind the action,” Motari stated. He revealed that some intoxicated youths were suspected to be involved, and while some are in police custody, the investigation will extend further.
The Principal Secretary dismissed any possibility of supremacy battles between local leaders, which might have contributed to the incident. He warned that any leader found complicit in the President’s humiliation would face consequences within the law and community practices. Migori County Deputy Governor Dr. Joseph Mahiri extended his apologies to the President and the Kenyan people, emphasizing that the whole Kuria community should not be blamed for the actions of a few individuals.
Dr. Mahiri reiterated the community’s longstanding support for President Ruto and announced plans for a community dialogue to assess the incident’s aftermath. Patrick Marwa, Marrero area Member of County Assembly, speaking on behalf of the youth, expressed deep regrets for the incident and emphasized their commitment to allowing security agencies to handle the situation. He vowed that those responsible would be held accountable.
President Ruto will continue his development tour in Migori County, launching several projects in Uriri, Awendo, Rongo, and Nyatike constituencies. He is set to return to the Kuria region to inspect the Ntimaru ESP market, launch another affordable housing project in Ntimaru town, and issue a school bus to Gokeharaka Secondary School in Kuria West constituency.